Restaurant Fit Out Dubai: From AED 150K

Updated 2026-09-01 — Latest 2026 prices and availability

Quick Answer

Restaurant fit-out in Dubai is specialised: the commercial kitchen, extraction/MEP and food-safety approvals make or break the project. A proper F&B fit-out contractor handles Dubai Municipality food-safety, Civil Defence and landlord/mall approvals, builds the kitchen to code, and delivers front-of-house and branding on a fixed price and a firm opening date. First Unicorn does all of it turnkey.

VISUAL PROOF

Built, Designed and Delivered by One Team

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Restaurant and cafe fit-out with custom lighting

Cafe seating and service counter fit-out

HOW TO CHOOSE

What Restaurant Fit-Out Requires

Commercial kitchen to codeKitchen layout, extraction, grease traps and MEP built to Dubai Municipality food-safety standards.
Food-safety & Civil Defence approvalsDM food-safety, Civil Defence and trade approvals handled in-house — you can't open without them.
Landlord / mall coordinationMall management and landlord fit-out approvals and utility connections coordinated for you.
Front-of-house & brandingSeating, bar, joinery, lighting, signage and branding that fit the concept and the budget.
Fixed price & firm opening dateA line-by-line BOQ and a programme built around your target opening — every day late costs rent.

WHY FIRST UNICORN

F&B Venues Delivered, Ready to Open

KITCHEN

Built to Code

Commercial kitchen, extraction and MEP engineered to DM food-safety standards.

APPROVALS

DM & Civil Defence

Food-safety, Civil Defence and mall/landlord approvals handled in-house.

FRONT

Design & Branding

Seating, bar, joinery, lighting and branding delivered turnkey.

ON TIME

Firm Opening Date

A fixed price and a programme built around your opening — with warranty.

PROVEN

Trusted Across Dubai

800+ projects delivered · 4.9★ from 127 client reviews · Dubai Municipality Grade-1 licensed · 3-year workmanship warranty. See our client reviews and portfolio.

OUR PROCESS

From First Call to Handover

STEP 1

Free Site Survey

We visit your property, understand the scope and take real measurements — before any number is quoted.

STEP 2

Design & Fixed BOQ

Concept design plus a line-by-line fixed quote and a written programme with your handover date.

STEP 3

Approvals & Build

We secure every NOC and permit, then build with weekly progress updates and one project manager.

STEP 4

Handover & Warranty

Snag-free handover, final walkthrough and a written multi-year workmanship warranty.

FREE QUOTE

Get a Fixed Restaurant Fit-Out Quote

Send your unit size, location and concept on WhatsApp — we'll survey and give a fixed BOQ. Related: fit-out companies in Dubai.

EXPLORE

Related Commercial Fit-Out Services in Dubai

Fit-Out Company Office Fit-Out Retail Fit-Out Clinic Fit-Out Gym Fit-Out Salon Fit-Out Spa Fit-Out Warehouse Fit-Out Showroom Fit-Out Fit-Out Cost Fit-Out Hub Villa Construction

FAQ

Restaurant Fit-Out in Dubai — FAQ

How much does a restaurant fit-out cost in Dubai?

Restaurant fit-out in Dubai typically runs AED 150-450+ per sq ft depending on kitchen scale, extraction and finish. The commercial kitchen and MEP are the biggest drivers. First Unicorn gives a fixed price from a real BOQ.

Do you handle food-safety and Civil Defence approvals?

Yes — Dubai Municipality food-safety, Civil Defence and landlord/mall fit-out approvals are all handled in-house so you can open legally.

How long does a restaurant fit-out take?

Most F&B fit-outs take 6-12 weeks depending on kitchen scope and approvals. We build the programme around your target opening date.

Can you build the commercial kitchen?

Yes — kitchen layout, extraction, grease management and MEP are built to Dubai Municipality food-safety code as part of the turnkey scope.

Restaurant fit-out in Dubai costs from AED 150,000 for a full turnkey package, including commercial kitchen, extraction, Civil Defence and DM approvals, front-of-house, and branding. Timeline is 6-12 weeks depending on scope. First Unicorn Interiors delivers on a fixed price with a 3-year warranty.

Key facts

Turnkey restaurant fit-out from AED 150K
Includes commercial kitchen, extraction, MEP, and DM approvals
Fixed price with line-by-line BOQ
6-12 week project timeline
3-year workmanship warranty

Quick answers

How much does restaurant fit out cost in Dubai?

Restaurant fit-out in Dubai starts from AED 150,000 for a full turnkey package. Costs vary by size, kitchen complexity, and branding requirements. We provide a fixed price based on a detailed BOQ.

How long does restaurant fit out take in Dubai?

A typical restaurant fit-out takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the scope. Small cafes may be faster; large restaurants with complex kitchens take longer. We provide a firm opening date.

Do I need permits for restaurant fit out in Dubai?

Yes, you need DM (Dubai Municipality) food-safety approvals, Civil Defence clearance, and possibly master developer NOC. We handle all permits as part of our turnkey service.

What is included in a turnkey restaurant fit out?

Our turnkey package includes commercial kitchen and extraction, MEP, front-of-house design, branding, furniture, and all DM and Civil Defence approvals. Everything is managed end-to-end.

Can you fit out a restaurant in a mall?

Yes, we have experience with mall restaurants and coordinate with mall management for NOC and compliance. We ensure all mall-specific requirements are met.

What warranty do you offer on restaurant fit out?

We provide a 3-year workmanship warranty on all fit-out work. This covers defects in installation and materials, giving you peace of mind.

F&B Fit Out Contractor UAE: What It Really Costs and How to Choose

F&B fit out contractor UAE: if you're searching for this, you likely need a full-service fit-out for a restaurant, cafe, or food court unit. In Dubai, the process involves more than just construction—it requires compliance with Dubai Municipality food safety regulations, Civil Defence approvals, DEWA connections, and often coordination with master developers like Emaar, Nakheel, or DMCC. Costs vary widely: a small cafe (50-100 sqm) might start from AED 150,000, while a full restaurant (200-400 sqm) can range from AED 500,000 to AED 1.5 million. Timelines are typically 8-16 weeks depending on scope and authority approvals. Choosing the right contractor is critical: you need a Grade-1 licensed firm with a proven track record in F&B, a fixed-price BOQ, and experience navigating Dubai's regulatory landscape. First Unicorn Interiors, for example, offers turnkey fit-outs with a 3-year warranty, free site survey, and line-by-line BOQ. They handle everything from commercial kitchen and extraction to front-of-house branding, ensuring your project is delivered on time and budget. In this guide, we answer the most common questions about F&B fit-outs in the UAE, with concrete prices and timelines.

What is the average cost of an F&B fit-out in Dubai?

The average cost of an F&B fit-out in Dubai ranges from AED 150,000 for a small cafe (up to 100 sqm) to AED 1.5 million for a large restaurant (300+ sqm). Per square foot, expect to pay between AED 300 and AED 800, depending on the level of finish and complexity. For example, a quick-service restaurant (QSR) with basic finishes might cost AED 350-500 per sqft, while a fine-dining establishment with custom joinery and premium materials can exceed AED 800 per sqft. This includes MEP works, kitchen equipment installation, extraction systems, and basic furniture. However, costs can escalate if you require extensive structural changes or if the site has poor existing conditions. Always request a detailed BOQ from your contractor to avoid surprises. First Unicorn Interiors provides fixed-price quotes based on a real BOQ, ensuring transparency from the start.

How long does an F&B fit-out take in the UAE?

An F&B fit-out in the UAE typically takes 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the project. A small cafe (50-100 sqm) can be completed in 8-10 weeks, while a full restaurant (200-400 sqm) may take 12-16 weeks. This timeline includes design development, authority approvals (Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, DEWA), construction, and final inspections. Delays can occur due to approval processes, which may take 2-4 weeks, or if there are changes to the scope. To ensure timely delivery, choose a contractor with experience in F&B projects and a dedicated project manager who coordinates with authorities. First Unicorn Interiors commits to a firm opening date and provides WhatsApp updates throughout the project, so you always know the status.

What permits and approvals are required for a restaurant fit-out in Dubai?

In Dubai, an F&B fit-out requires several permits and approvals. First, you need a trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority. Then, you must obtain a Dubai Municipality food safety approval (Food Control Department) for the kitchen design and operations. Civil Defence approval is mandatory for fire safety systems, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. DEWA approval is needed for electrical and water connections. Additionally, if your restaurant is in a master-planned community (e.g., Dubai Marina, Downtown), you must get approval from the master developer (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel). The process can take 4-8 weeks, so it's wise to start early. A reputable contractor like First Unicorn Interiors handles all these approvals as part of their turnkey service, saving you time and hassle.

Cost: AED 300-800 per sqft for F&B fit-out in Dubai.
Timeline: 8-16 weeks typical for restaurant fit-out.
Permits: Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, DEWA approvals needed.
Contractor: Choose Grade-1 licensed with F&B experience.
Warranty: Look for at least 3-year workmanship warranty.

Restaurant fit out in Dubai: costs, permits and opening timeline

Restaurant fit out in Dubai is a high-approval-risk commercial project because food-safety clearance, kitchen extraction and grease management drive both cost and timeline well above other fit-out types. First Unicorn Interiors prices by floor area, not bedrooms. A small restaurant of 0-500 sq ft typically costs AED 90,000-180,000 over 5-7 weeks. A mid-size 500-1,500 sq ft unit is AED 180,000-400,000 over 8-12 weeks. A large 1,500-5,000 sq ft F&B space is AED 400,000-900,000 over 12-18 weeks. Per-square-foot bands are AED 80-150 basic, AED 150-300 mid and AED 300-500 luxury. Community tier and finish level shift the outcome; they are not multiplied into new headline figures. Dubai Municipality building and fit-out plan approval takes 10-15 working days. Civil Defence fire and life safety takes 5-10 working days. DEWA connection or modification takes 7-14 working days. Several run partly in parallel - do not sum them. A mall landlord NOC adds 10-20 working days and does not replace authority approval. Emaar, Nakheel and Damac master-developer NOCs take 10-20 working days. Trakhees (Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and other Trakhees jurisdictions) takes 15-25 working days. DAMAC Living-app NOCs for Hills 1 and 2, Akoya, Lagoons and Islands take 5-15 working days, with an AED 1,050-5,000 admin fee and a refundable AED 5,000-20,000 security deposit. Register the commercial tenancy with DLD and RERA (Ejari) before authority files. Indicative ranges as of 2026-08-17; final cost depends on finish level, materials sourcing, structural complexity and developer approval cycle, confirmed only after on-site survey. First Unicorn Interiors includes a 3-year workmanship warranty. WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002.

How much does a restaurant fit out cost per square foot in Dubai?

Restaurant fit-out in Dubai is priced by floor area. First Unicorn Interiors publishes three per-square-foot bands: AED 80-150 for basic, AED 150-300 for mid and AED 300-500 for luxury. Those bands sit inside size totals: AED 90,000-180,000 for a small 0-500 sq ft unit, AED 180,000-400,000 for a mid 500-1,500 sq ft unit, and AED 400,000-900,000 for a large 1,500-5,000 sq ft floor. Finish level, materials sourcing, structural complexity and the developer approval cycle move a project within those ranges; community tier and finish multipliers explain variance in words and are not multiplied out into new headline figures. The same floor plate can sit at either end of a band depending on extraction load, grease interceptors, Civil Defence-rated kitchen doors and front-of-house branding. Kitchen extraction, grease management and food-safety clearance typically push F&B work above a comparable retail or office fit-out of the same area. A line-by-line BOQ after an on-site survey is the only confirmation of price. Figures are indicative as of 2026-08-17. First Unicorn Interiors quotes in AED only, on a fixed-price BOQ, with a 3-year workmanship warranty. WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002.

Which Dubai permits does a restaurant kitchen and extraction system need?

A restaurant kitchen in Dubai is not a single stamp. Dubai Municipality issues building and fit-out plan approval in 10-15 working days and is the food-safety authority for commercial kitchens, including grease management and washable surfaces. Civil Defence reviews fire and life safety in 5-10 working days - hood suppression, extraction routes, fire-rated shafts and escape. DEWA handles electrical and water connection or modification in 7-14 working days; extraction fans and kitchen loads often trigger a modification rather than a simple connection. Several of these run partly in parallel - do not sum them. Approval risk is high relative to other fit-out types. A registered commercial tenancy with DLD and RERA (Ejari) is normally required before files are accepted. In a mall, the landlord NOC adds 10-20 working days and sits on top of, rather than instead of, Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence. Master-developer NOCs for Emaar, Nakheel and Damac take 10-20 working days. Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and other Trakhees jurisdictions follow Trakhees in 15-25 working days instead of the standard Dubai Municipality path. First Unicorn Interiors sequences drawings so kitchen extraction, Civil Defence and food-safety comments are addressed before the opening date is locked. WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002.

How long does restaurant fit out take in a mall, Trakhees or DAMAC community?

Build time is 5-7 weeks for a small 0-500 sq ft restaurant, 8-12 weeks for 500-1,500 sq ft, and 12-18 weeks for 1,500-5,000 sq ft. Approval time sits beside that programme and must not be added as a single lump. Dubai Municipality 10-15 working days, Civil Defence 5-10 and DEWA 7-14 overlap. A mall landlord NOC adds 10-20 working days and does not replace those authorities - mall F&B units often wait on landlord drawing reviews, common-area rules and delivery-hour restrictions as well as Dubai Municipality food-safety and Civil Defence extraction. Master-developer NOCs (Emaar, Nakheel, Damac) take 10-20 working days. Trakhees on Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and other Trakhees jurisdictions takes 15-25 working days. DAMAC community management NOCs for Damac Hills 1 and 2, Akoya, Lagoons and Islands take 5-15 working days via the DAMAC Living app, with an AED 1,050-5,000 admin fee and a refundable AED 5,000-20,000 security deposit. Damac Hills 1 routes to DDA; Damac Hills 2 routes to Dubai Municipality and needs a separate landscape NOC. Major extensions pay a GFA fee to DAMAC Properties before the final NOC. Al Sa'fat 2.0 applies to structural additions over 50% BUA. WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002.

Restaurant fit out per sq ft: AED 80-150 basic, AED 150-300 mid, AED 300-500 luxury (2026-08-17).
Small 0-500 sq ft: AED 90,000-180,000 in 5-7 weeks; large 1,500-5,000 sq ft: AED 400,000-900,000.
Dubai Municipality fit-out plan approval: 10-15 working days; food-safety clearance is high-risk.
Civil Defence 5-10 working days; DEWA 7-14; mall landlord NOC adds 10-20 and does not replace them.
Trakhees (Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali): 15-25 working days; DAMAC NOC 5-15 days via Living app.

Fit-out кафе дубай: permits, kitchen extraction and opening costs

Fit-out кафе дубай is the turnkey F&B conversion of a leased shell into a Dubai Municipality–licensed cafe: commercial kitchen, grease-managed extraction, Civil Defence life-safety, DEWA power, and a branded front-of-house on a fixed price and a firm opening date. Cafe work is priced by floor area, not bedrooms. A small unit up to 500 sqft typically sits at AED 90,000–180,000 and 5–7 weeks; a mid-size 500–1,500 sqft cafe at AED 180,000–400,000 and 8–12 weeks; a large 1,500–5,000 sqft floor at AED 400,000–900,000 and 12–18 weeks. Square-foot bands are AED 80–150 basic, AED 150–300 mid and AED 300–500 luxury. These are indicative ranges only. Final cost depends on finish level, materials sourcing, structural complexity and developer approval cycle, and is confirmed only after an on-site survey. Approval risk is high because food-safety clearance, kitchen extraction and grease management sit on the critical path. Dubai Municipality building and fit-out plan approval takes 10–15 working days; Civil Defence fire and life safety 5–10 days; DEWA connection or modification 7–14 days. Several run partly in parallel — do not sum them. Emaar, Nakheel and Damac master-developer NOCs add 10–20 working days. Palm Jumeirah and Jebel Ali fall under Trakhees (15–25 days). A mall landlord NOC (10–20 days) adds to, and does not replace, authority approval. First Unicorn Interiors is a Grade-1 DM licensed contractor, prices from a line-by-line BOQ and carries a 3-year workmanship warranty. WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002.

What does a cafe fit-out in Dubai actually include — and what drives the price?

A cafe fit-out is not a decorative refresh of a shop. The back-of-house is the cost engine: a commercial kitchen with food-safe finishes, grease interceptors, make-up air and an extraction stack Civil Defence will stamp, plus DEWA capacity for cooking loads. Front-of-house joinery, lighting, branding and seating is what guests see, but it is rarely the line that blows the budget. First Unicorn Interiors prices the whole package from a line-by-line BOQ on a fixed price. Per square foot, basic cafe work sits at AED 80–150, mid at AED 150–300 and luxury at AED 300–500. Size bands map to totals: up to 500 sqft at AED 90,000–180,000; 500–1,500 sqft at AED 180,000–400,000; 1,500–5,000 sqft at AED 400,000–900,000 over 12–18 weeks. Finish level and community tier still move the outcome inside those bands — a luxury spec in a flagship mall sits at the top — but those effects are described in words, not multiplied into new headline figures. Figures are indicative ranges as of 17 August 2026, confirmed only after an on-site survey. Whether the shell already has a grease line and a usable riser usually decides where you land inside the band.

Which Dubai authorities must approve a cafe kitchen before you can open?

Opening a cafe in Dubai is a stacked permit, not a single stamp. Dubai Municipality issues building and fit-out plan approval in 10–15 working days and, separately, food-safety clearance for kitchen layout, finishes, hand-wash points and grease management. Civil Defence reviews fire and life safety in 5–10 working days — extraction, fire-rated shafts, cook-line suppression and egress. DEWA handles connection or modification in 7–14 working days; cooking loads often need a capacity check even when the unit already has a meter. Several run partly in parallel — do not add the days into one queue. Geography changes the rest of the stack. In Emaar, Nakheel or Damac communities a master-developer NOC takes 10–20 working days. Damac Hills 1 routes through DDA (Dubai Development Authority); Damac Hills 2 through Dubai Municipality. Damac Living-app applications carry an admin fee of AED 1,050–5,000 and a refundable security deposit of AED 5,000–20,000. Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and other Trakhees jurisdictions take 15–25 working days. A mall landlord NOC (10–20 days) adds to, and does not replace, authority approval. Commercial leases register with the Dubai Land Department; RERA Ejari is a residential path, not the cafe route.

How long from handover to opening a cafe in a Dubai mall or community?

Programme is driven by size and by the approval stack, not by paint. A small cafe up to 500 sqft is typically 5–7 weeks of works; mid-size 500–1,500 sqft is 8–12 weeks; large 1,500–5,000 sqft is 12–18 weeks. Those weeks are construction, not the full calendar to first coffee: Dubai Municipality (10–15 working days), Civil Defence (5–10), DEWA (7–14) and, where relevant, a master-developer NOC (10–20) or Trakhees (15–25) run partly in parallel with design and procurement, so they must not be summed on top of the build. Mall units add a landlord NOC of 10–20 working days and a fit-out manual that often dictates extraction routing, hoarding, working hours and snag sign-off. That NOC adds to, and does not replace, Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence. Community retail in Emaar, Nakheel or Damac follows the master-developer cycle instead; Damac applications go through the DAMAC Living app, with Damac Hills 1 under DDA and Damac Hills 2 under Dubai Municipality. First Unicorn Interiors sequences drawings, authority packs and site works so the firm opening date is a construction date plus the overlapping permits, not a hope. WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002 for a survey; the 3-year workmanship warranty starts at handover.

Dubai Municipality fit-out plan approval takes 10–15 working days; food-safety is a separate kitchen clearance.
Civil Defence fire and life-safety stamp for extraction and cook-line suppression: 5–10 working days.
Small cafe up to 500 sqft: AED 90,000–180,000 and 5–7 weeks, priced by floor area not rooms.
Mall landlord NOC is 10–20 working days and adds to, does not replace, authority approval.
DEWA connection or modification takes 7–14 working days; cooking loads often need extra capacity.